Training Mobile Equipment Operators

Mobile equipment is involved in a large number of the fatal accidents and nonfatal injuries in surface mines. Accident and training research suggests that one of the principal reasons is the inadequate training provided for many mobile equipment operators, especially in terms of their ability to cope with unusual and unexpected events. A concept for providing the needed training, formulated by Woodward Associates, Inc. and based on personal injury, and noninjury, accident phenomena research, is presented and explained. Some of the training materials developed to implement the concept are described, including an on-board simulator of abnormal conditions. Cost comparisons are made between training programs which utilize these materials, customary on-the-job training programs and training programs which might use a high fidelity, all-function, simulator as the principal teaching device.